Complex intermittency in switching converters

Intermittent instability is commonly observed in switching power supplies during the design and development phase. It manifests as symmetrical period-doubling bifurcation in the time domain with long intermittent periods. Such intermittent operation is considered undesirable in practice and is usually avoided by appropriate adjustments of circuit parameters. This paper explores the mechanism and conditions for the emergence of intermittency in a common voltage-mode controlled buck converter. It is found that interference at frequencies near the switching frequency or its rational multiples will induce intermittent operation. The strengths and frequencies of the interfering signals determine the type and period of intermittency. The problem is analyzed by transforming the conventional parameter-bifurcation analysis to a time-bifurcation analysis. Analytical results are verified by simulations and experimental measurements.